This year is off and racing with a plethora of hot new hotels slated to open across Australia in 2018. Sure there are plenty of new hotels of the chain variety set to open in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, but we have our eye for style on the boutique, unique and preferably independent.
Here are details of the most anticipated new hotel openings in 2018:
The Darling, Gold Coast
The new luxury suite hotel currently taking shape at the front of the Star Gold Coast will be known as The Darling, while the existing hotel will now be known as The Star Grand.
The Darling (pictured above) will feature 57 luxury suites from 70 to 328 sqm in size, with butler service and the finest features. New signature bars and restaurants and of course gaming facilities will be the centrepiece of this luxurious six-star hotel. The Darling, opening early 2018.
The Tasman, Hobart
The Tasman will reside in an assortment of repurposed heritage buildings and will form a prominent position in Parliament Square, in a new design-led development set to revitalise Hobart's city centre. The Tasman will offer guests 128 luxurious rooms and suites featuring Georgian and Art-Deco design elements throughout. The Tasman is expected to open late 2018.
HSW/Art Series, Brisbane
All eyes are on Brisbane and the Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment (pictured below) transforming the riverside precinct into an exhibition centre, restaurants, cafes and 165-room luxury hotel. The hotel is being developed by the Deague Group, who recently sold management of their Art Series Hotels brand to Mantra, therefore a name for the new HSW hotel is yet to be confirmed.
W Brisbane
The first internationally-branded five-star hotel to open in Brisbane's CBD in 20 years, the opening of W Brisbane will mark the re-entry of the iconic W brand into Australia. On track and due to open 15 March 2018, the 312 rooms and suites are located in a prime position overlooking the Brisbane River.
Emporium Hotel Southpoint, Brisbane
It's been a long time in the planning, but Emporium Hotel Southpoint is due to open mid-2018. Located in South Bank and featuring 143 luxuriously appointed suites, premium food & beverage options by acclaimed Brisbane chef Josue Lopez and spectacular 23m rooftop infinity edge pool and bar this will be a hotel launch not to be missed.
Felix by 8Hotels, Sydney
With a jetsetting Mad Men retro style, 8Hotels has just launched an airport hotel with a difference. Felix is a 150 room boutique hotel with a Penthouse boasting a 24-hour food shop, cocktail bar and outdoor cinema! 8Hotels is making a come back, with more hotels planned including Little Albion Surry Hills and another development in Pyrmont.
Salt at Shoal Bay
We've been watching this new development with interest and delays have pushed back its opening date, but an opening is imminent this summer. The white washed styling beachside accommodation is directly opposite magical Shoal Bay beach and we can't wait to take a peek!
The Pub with Two Names, Ballarat
We got the scoop in February last year when we met artistic dynamic duo David and Yuge Bromley who had just purchased the Peter Lalor Hotel/Royal Highlander Hotel in Ballarat with plans to transform the pub into a boutique hotel. The development now known as 'The Pub with Two Names' is set to open in early 2018 in collaboration with Ballarat food and beverage operators Iain Gunn and Donatello Pietrantuono.
The Colony at Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley
Ok, technically it opened in December 2017, but it's still so shiny and new we had to share! The Colony (featured below) features 32 beautifully appointed rooms & suites, overlooking the historic Verdelho vines on the banks of the Swan River. This getaway is the perfect base to enjoy all Mandoon Estate has to offer including Wild Swan fine dining, casual dining, wine tasting and more. Coming to alluxia very soon...
Cygnet Old Bank, Southern Tasmania
We first fell in love with this grand old Victorian building when it was the base for Cygneture Chocolates, now it has been restored and reopened as an elegant, stylish retreat in the heart of Cygnet. Cygnet Old Bank boasts three suites and complimentary breakfast served in the conservatory. Cygnet Old Bank B&B is just 45 minutes south of Hobart in the Huon Valley.
Spicers Guest House, Hunter Valley
The Guest House is currently closed for extensive renovations and luxury upgrades, ready to re-open as Spicers Guest House in the second half of 2018. If you love all things Spicers, you'll love this new retreat which is expected to boast new conference facilities, luxury room refurbishments, a beautiful new pool and enchanting wedding chapel.
The Calile, Brisbane
Designed by Richards & Spence Architects, The Cailile is taking shape in James Street. The luxury hotel will feature ground floor boutiques and eateries and 178 rooms and suites over seven stories. Sure to be popular with Queenslanders will be the glamorous pool, poolside cabanas, poolside restaurant, day spa, fitness centre and business centre. Plus the podium level with house a divisable function room for up to 300 guests banquet style and basement parking for 220 vehicles. Due to open Spring 2018 and managed by TFE under the TFE Hotels Collection brand.
Riley, Cairns
Australian based Crystalbrook Collection will be opening the first of three new hotels in Cairns this year! The five star Riley (pictured above) will feature 311 rooms and suites, boast 4 restaurants and bars including a rooftop tower bar 42m above sea level. Guests will relax amongst 1,037 sqm of lagoon pool and private beach and be pampered in the day spa. The new 'Bailey' hotel will follow in mid-2019 and 'Flynn' in 2020.
Worth waiting for...
Jackalope, Melbourne
Last year's most anticipated opening went to Jackalope Mornington Peninsula and could now be superseded by its sister property Jackalope Melbourne, a 32 room designer hotel set to open on Flinders Lane in 2020.
Have we missed any fab new luxury boutique hotel developments set to open in 2018? Let us know below!
